Azeez Ojulari Bio
Azeez O. Ojulari is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 16, 2000, in Austell, Georgia, to Nigerian parents, Ojulari emerged as one of the most promising pass rushers from his college career at the University of Georgia. The New York Giants selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he quickly made an impact by setting the franchise rookie record for sacks. After four seasons with the Giants, Ojulari joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025 before signing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. His career is distinguished by consistent production when healthy and recognition at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Ojulari grew up in Marietta, Georgia, where he attended Marietta High School. He was born to Yoruba parents who immigrated from Nigeria, giving him a rich cultural heritage that includes connections to the renowned Yoruba artist and musician Twins Seven Seven, who was his maternal grandfather. This artistic lineage represents an interesting aspect of Ojulari’s family history, though he would ultimately forge his own path in athletics. During his senior year at Marietta High School, Ojulari recorded 118 tackles and 11 sacks before suffering a torn ACL that ended his high school career on a challenging note.
Despite the injury setback, Ojulari’s talent was evident enough to earn him a selection to the prestigious 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. This national recognition solidified his status as a top collegiate prospect. His performance throughout high school demonstrated the pass-rushing ability that would become his trademark at the next level. After completing his rehabilitation from the ACL injury, Ojulari committed to play college football at the University of Georgia, one of the premier football programs in the country.
Path to American Football
Ojulari’s journey to professional football began with his standout high school career and continued through his college years at Georgia. The University of Georgia Bulldogs provided him with the platform to develop his skills against top competition in the Southeastern Conference. His recruitment was influenced by his impressive high school film and the potential he showed as a dynamic edge rusher. The transition from high school to college-level competition required adjustment, but Ojulari’s work ethic and natural abilities helped him adapt quickly.
His path included a redshirt season in 2018 after recovering from his high school ACL injury, which allowed him to acclimate to the college training regimen and playbook. This patient approach paid dividends as he emerged as a starter and key contributor in subsequent seasons. The Georgia coaching staff recognized his potential early, providing him opportunities that he capitalized on with increasingly strong performances. By his junior season, Ojulari had established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the conference.
Azeez Ojulari Career
College Career (2018–2020)
Ojulari redshirted his freshman season at Georgia in 2018, playing only two games while continuing his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in high school. This cautious approach reflected the program’s confidence in his long-term potential and their willingness to invest in his development. The experience of practicing against college-level talent while not traveling to games provided valuable learning opportunities. He used this time to build strength and master the defensive schemes that would define Georgia’s defense.
As a redshirt freshman in 2019, Ojulari broke onto the scene with an impressive campaign. He appeared in all 14 games and made 13 starts, recording 36 tackles and 5.5 sacks. This production announced his arrival as a legitimate defensive threat in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. The experience gained during his freshman season translated into confidence and consistency as he entered his sophomore year as a full-time starter. Coaches and teammates increasingly looked to him as a leader on the defensive line.
New York Giants Era (2021–2024)
The New York Giants selected Ojulari in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 50th overall pick, recognizing his potential as an edge rusher who could immediately contribute to their defensive unit. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021, and quickly validated the team’s faith in his abilities. Ojulari finished his rookie season with 8 sacks, setting an all-time Giants record for sacks by a rookie and surpassing the previous mark held by B. J. Hill, who had recorded 5.5 sacks in 2018. This achievement established him as a foundational piece of the Giants’ defensive future.
However, injuries began to impact his trajectory during the 2022 season. The Giants placed Ojulari on injured reserve on October 22, 2022, before reactivating him on December 3 of that year. Despite the setback, he managed to finish the season with 5.5 sacks, ranking second on the team behind nose tackle Dexter Lawrence in that category. The following year brought more injury challenges, as Ojulari was again placed on injured reserve on October 14, 2023, before returning to the active roster on November 11. Throughout his Giants tenure, his talent remained evident whenever he was on the field, though availability remained a concern.
Philadelphia Eagles (2025)
On March 19, 2025, Ojulari signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year contract worth $4 million. This move represented a fresh start with a franchise known for its strong defensive tradition and Super Bowl aspirations. The Eagles sought to add pass-rushing depth to their defense, and Ojulari’s skill set aligned with their needs. He joined a competitive linebacker room and competed for playing time in a new defensive system under the Eagles’ coaching staff.
Ojulari’s debut season with Philadelphia got off to a promising start before another injury setback occurred. The Eagles placed him on injured reserve on November 1, 2025, due to a hamstring injury that ended his campaign prematurely. Despite the limited availability, his presence had been felt in the early portions of the season, and the team remained optimistic about his contributions upon his return. The injury history continued to be a storyline throughout his early professional career, though his performance when healthy consistently demonstrated his value.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ojulari’s playing style centers on his explosiveness off the edge and his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 240 pounds, he possesses the length and speed combination that NFL defenses prioritize in modern pass rushers. His hand technique and leverage allow him to win against both tackles and tight ends, making him a versatile asset in various defensive alignments. When at full health, he demonstrates the burst and bend that scouts look for in potential elite edge defenders. His college production translated reasonably well to the professional level, with his sack totals reflecting his disruptive presence in the backfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Ojulari has achieved several notable milestones that highlight his impact at each level. His rookie sack record with the Giants represented a significant achievement early in his professional journey. In college, his defensive MVP performance at the 2021 Peach Bowl showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. The recognition as second-team All-SEC in 2020 further validated his standing as one of the conference’s top defensive talents. Each milestone reinforced his trajectory toward becoming a reliable NFL starter, though the injury obstacles have required him to repeatedly prove his resilience and commitment to the game.
Azeez Ojulari Career Wins
Ojulari’s professional career has produced consistent statistical output when available, with his sack production representing his primary contribution to winning efforts. Across his seasons with the Giants and Eagles through 2025, he has accumulated 22 career sacks along with 113 total tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. These numbers reflect his ability to affect the game in multiple ways beyond just getting to the quarterback.
New York Giants Highlights
Ojulari’s tenure with the New York Giants spanned four seasons from 2021 to 2024, during which he established himself as a productive edge rusher. His rookie season standouts as the franchise record holder for sacks by a rookie, an achievement that demonstrated his ability to transition successfully from college to the NFL. The 8 sacks he recorded in 2021 came despite the typical adjustment challenges faced by first-year players. His follow-up seasons showed promise, with 5.5 sacks in 2022 highlighting his continued development before injury complications arose.
Other Highlights
Beyond his NFL production, Ojulari’s collegiate career at Georgia produced significant achievements, including his standout 2020 season that earned him second-team All-SEC honors. His defensive MVP performance in the Peach Bowl remains one of the most memorable moments of his college career. The combination of college and professional success has built a foundation of accomplishments that underscore his capabilities as a pass rusher when healthy and at his best.
Azeez Ojulari Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ojulari comes from a distinguished family background with strong ties to Nigerian culture and the arts. His parents are Yoruba immigrants who raised him in Georgia while maintaining connections to their heritage. Perhaps most uniquely, his maternal grandfather was the late Twins Seven Seven, a celebrated Yoruba artist and musician known for his work in the traditional Nigerian art world. This artistic legacy provides an interesting contrast to Ojulari’s athletic career, though both represent forms of excellence and creative expression in their respective fields.
Personal Life
Ojulari maintains a close family relationship with his younger brother, B. J. Ojulari, who also pursued a career in football. B. J. Ojulari played college football at Louisiana State University before being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2023 NFL Draft. The brothers have followed similar paths in the sport, with B. J. following Azeez’s lead in reaching the professional level. This familial connection in football represents a source of mutual support and shared experience as both navigate their NFL careers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season with the Philadelphia Eagles marked a new chapter in Ojulari’s career following his departure from the Giants organization. Joining a team with championship aspirations provided him with an opportunity to contribute to a winning culture while rebuilding his professional reputation after injury-plagued seasons. The Eagles’ defensive scheme offered favorable conditions for his skill set as an edge rusher, and training camp reports suggested he was adapting well to his new environment before the season began.
Ojulari’s season was cut short when the Eagles placed him on injured reserve on November 1 due to a hamstring injury. This marks the third time in his professional career that an injury required him to miss significant time, raising questions about his durability at the NFL level. When he was able to play, however, he demonstrated the same pass-rushing ability that made him a second-round pick. The Eagles’ decision to sign him reflected their confidence in his talent, and the organization remained supportive throughout his recovery process. Looking ahead, Ojulari aims to establish himself as a reliable starter with consistent availability in future seasons.